Lazio's GOP backers want him to throw in the towel

For the second time in six months, leaders of the New York State Republican Party are turning away from Rick Lazio, calling on him to end his campaign for governor now that he has lost a party primary to Carl Paladino, the insurgent Buffalo developer who rode a wave of Tea Party support to victory.

Lazio may continue his candidacy on the Conservative Party line, which he secured after a successful primary run last week.

Republican State Chairman Ed Cox wrote to Lazio that “any such effort would be specifically designed to pull votes away from Republican nominee Carl Paladino. We all know that you appreciate the importance of working together with the Conservative party to maximize our potential for success, as is the case with all our other state-wide candidates.”

In the letter, the chairs were careful not to make themselves agents of actions.

“Republican voters and activists have enthusiastically supported you in the past. You were given the honor of being the designee of our party at the convention in no small part to your long standing as a leader in this party,” the letter states. “Those voters and activists would expect that as a Republican you would respect their decision, especially in light of such strong interest and record turnout. On their behalf we ask that you officially end your campaign for governor in all respects.”

“As you can see from the latest polls, this race is tightening and our chances for success are growing. You have a unique opportunity to ensure our entire ticket is running on the Conservative line and that we all stand united behind our nominees. To best help the Party’s candidates win in November, we need you to continue to support all the Party’s candidates and help make this a banner year for Republicans. However, the only way for you to do so effectively is to respect the will of the Republican voters of New York and end your campaign for Governor on the Conservative line.”

Paladino called on the establishment Republicans — who signed the letter — to fall in behind him or face his wrath. This action represents their first step in supporting his campaign, which has until now been opposed and at times belittled.